REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution Amending the Classification Plan to add the Classification of Public Safety Media and Engagement Manager and Make Corresponding Changes to the Salary Resolution and Schedule of Pay
Report
BACKGROUND
This report recommends amending the Classification Plan and Salary Resolution to add the newly established classification of Public Safety Media and Engagement Manager to improve public safety communications and community engagement.
EXISTING POLICY
Section 1103, entitled Classification, of the City Charter states that additions or changes to the classification plan may be adopted from time to time by the City Council upon the recommendation of the City Manager.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” with the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
DISCUSSION
The Department of Public Safety has requested a new classification of Public Safety Media and Engagement Manager. This classification would strengthen the Department of Public Safety by improving clear, consistent internal messaging among staff while also enhancing transparent, timely, and community-focused communication with the public. The Public Safety Media and Engagement Manager would be responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating, and managing the public information (including statistical reporting and public safety transparency efforts), public and departmental engagement, community outreach, media relations, and communications programs for the Department of Public Safety.
This classification would be responsible for performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities. The Public Safety Media and Engagement Manager would serve as a specialist, liaison, and advocate for the Department of Public Safety, working collaboratively with staff, other public agencies, public and private community organizations, governmental agencies, and members of the public.
This classification would be represented by the Sunnyvale Managers Association (SMA). SMA was provided notice and an opportunity to comment on the proposed pay rate and job description for the represented classification.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact from amending the classification plan.
The newly established job classification has an estimated annual cost of $246,590 in salary and benefits, totaling approximately $7.1 million over the twenty‑year resource allocation plan. These costs are not included in the FY 2025/26 Adopted Budget. If the position is filled, the costs will be incorporated into the General Fund Long‑Term Financial Plan and reflected in the FY 2026/27 Recommended Budget.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council meeting agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board at City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Public Library and in the Department of Public Safety Lobby. In addition, the agenda and this report are available at the City Hall reception desk located on the first floor of City Hall at 456 W. Olive Avenue (during normal business hours), and on the City's website.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution amending the Classification Plan to add the Classification of Public Safety Media and Engagement Manager and make corresponding changes to the City’s Salary Resolution and the Schedule of Pay effective December 14, 2025.
Levine Act
LEVINE ACT
The Levine Act (Gov. Code Section 84308) prohibits city officials from participating in certain decisions regarding licenses, permits, and other entitlements for use if the official has received a campaign contribution of more than $500 from a party, participant, or agent of a party or participant in the previous 12 months. The Levine Act is intended to prevent financial influence on decisions that affect specific, identifiable persons or participants. For more information see the Fair Political Practices Commission website: www.fppc.ca.gov/learn/pay-to-play-limits-and-prohibitions.html
An “X” in the checklist below indicates that the action being considered falls under a Levine Act category or exemption:
SUBJECT TO THE LEVINE ACT
___ Land development entitlements
___ Other permit, license, or entitlement for use
___ Contract or franchise
EXEMPT FROM THE LEVINE ACT
___ Competitively bid contract*
___ Labor or personal employment contract
___ Contract under $50,000 or non-fiscal
___ Contract between public agencies
_X_ General policy and legislative actions
* "Competitively bid" means a contract that must be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
Staff
Prepared by: Delanie LoFranco, Human Resources Manager
Reviewed by: Dan Pistor, Director of Public Safety
Reviewed by: Sarah Johnson-Rios, Assistant City Manager/Interim HR Director
Approved by: Tim Kirby, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution